How to Do the Towel Drill for Pitchers

Successful baseball players practice sound fundamentals. Good hitters have a balanced approach at the plate and swing with little head movement. As with hitting, proper pitching technique requires good coaching and consistent practice. Coaches utilize several drills to teach proper technique for pitchers. The towel drill helps teach balance and getting the upper body out in front during the delivery. Many younger pitchers tend to throw too upright and mainly use their arms, but increased velocity and movement occur when the pitcher uses his upper body and legs, not just the arms.

Things You'll Need

  • 16-inch towel
  • Baseball glove
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Folding chair
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Instructions

    • 1

      Throw a few pitches from a flat ground. After your stride has been established, position a partner 5 to 6 feet from you in a kneeling position. Make sure the partner kneels directly in front of where you will be striding.

    • 2

      Ask the partner to raise his glove to eye level while kneeling. The glove positioned directly in front of where you will be striding becomes the target for your towel.

    • 3

      Hold the towel in your throwing hand. Position the towel so that about a foot hangs loose. The towel should rest between your thumb and middle finger.

    • 4

      Go into a stretch position, and then stride toward the partner, extending your lead foot with toes pointing toward the partner's glove.

    • 5

      Reach forward and in a downward snap motion strike the middle portion of the glove. Your stride is off balance if you miss the glove to the left or right. Get your upper body more out front if you don't reach the glove with the towel. Repeat the drill for 15 to 20 reps. Do another 15 to 20 reps from a wind-up position.